The Paracrine Role of Endothelial Cells in Bone Formation via CXCR4/SDF-1 Pathway.

Vascularization is a prerequisite for bone formation. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) stimulate bone formation by creating a vascular network. Moreover, EPCs secrete various bioactive molecules that may regulate bone formation.

Endothelial progenitors increase vascularization and improve fibroblasts function that prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Objectives: In a previous rat model, MRONJ occurrence was 50%. Our aim was to investigate the potential of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to improve fibroblasts function and prevent MRONJ.

Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured with EPC-conditioned media (EPC-CM); endothelial growth media (EGM-2) or DMEM followed by incubation with 10 µM zoledronic (ZOL) and dexamethasone (DEX).

Predicting Angiogenesis by Endothelial Progenitor Cells Relying on In-Vitro Function Assays and VEGFR-2 Expression Levels.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy in various diseases. Since EPCs' functions are influenced by genetic, systemic and environmental factors, the therapeutic potential of each individual EPCs is unknown and may affect treatment outcome. Therefore, our aim was to compare EPCs function among healthy donors in order to predict blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) before autologous EPC transplantation.